Electronic Processes in Explosives Initiation

Abstract

The work describes the determination of the electronic energy level structure in explosives using low temperature optical absorption techniques and the determination of electronic transport properties by photoconductivity and related solid state measurements. Madelung potentials and electric energy levels were theoretically determined and indicate the nature of the bonding within the explosive crystal lattice. These studies have focused on the relationship between the chemical pseudostability of explosives and their electronic structure and have suggested novel mechanisms for initiation of primary and secondary explosives, propellants, and pyrotechnics. Specifically, photo-electronic initiation has been observed in lead and thallous azide. The effect has been characterized and interpreted in terms of the optical and electronic transport measurements on these materials.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Dec 01, 1973
Accession Number
AD0775378

Entities

People

  • Arthur C. Forsyth
  • David S. Downs
  • Fred E. Williams
  • Harry Jr D. Fair
  • Marcel Blais
  • Thaddeus Jr F. Gora
  • Wayne Garrett

Organizations

  • Picatinny Arsenal

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Counter IED
  • Energy and Power Technologies

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Absorption
  • Band Gaps
  • Band Structures
  • Chemical Reactions
  • Conduction Bands
  • Decomposition
  • Energy
  • Energy Bands
  • Energy Levels
  • Explosives
  • Heat Of Activation
  • Lead Azides
  • Materials
  • Optical Absorption
  • Solid State Physics
  • Transport Properties
  • Valence Bands

Fields of Study

  • Physics

Readers

  • Materials Science and Engineering.
  • Quantum Chemistry
  • Rocket Propulsion.

Technology Areas

  • Microelectronics